What are the differences between parallel imported cars and 4S store cars?
2 Answers
The differences between parallel imported cars and 4S store cars: 1. Different products: Parallel imported cars can be overseas models not available in the domestic market; 4S store cars can only purchase China-spec models released by manufacturers. 2. Different licensing procedures: If parallel imported cars do not comply with Chinese traffic regulations, some modifications are required, otherwise it will be difficult to obtain a license plate in China; 4S store cars all comply with Chinese traffic regulations and can be licensed normally without restrictions. Additional information: The full name of parallel imported cars is parallel trade imported cars, referred to as parallel trade cars, meaning cars purchased by traders from overseas markets and introduced into the Chinese market for sale without brand manufacturer authorization. Due to different import origins, they can be divided into US-spec cars, Middle East-spec cars, Canada-spec cars, European-spec cars, etc., to distinguish them from China-spec cars sold through authorized channels.
Parallel imported vehicles are directly imported from foreign markets, bypassing the official authorized channels, and their prices are often significantly cheaper than those at 4S stores, saving you tens of thousands. However, don't assume it's all benefits—you'll need to handle the import procedures, registration, and additional taxes yourself, and may even have to purchase insurance from a third party, adding a lot of hassle. Cars from 4S stores come through official channels; though priced higher, they include all fees, allowing you to drive off the lot worry-free. I've also noticed that parallel imports may have configurations mismatched to local needs, such as differing measurement systems or lighting standards, posing a higher risk of being undrivable. In contrast, 4S store versions are optimized for the Chinese market, come with complete warranties, and offer safer, more reliable daily use. For someone like me who dislikes complications, I'd rather spend a bit more for peace of mind. After all, buying a car is a long-term investment—don't skimp small only to worry big.
